Stewart Krause, senior sales manager with Wyo-Ben Inc. in Billings, Mont., has been awarded the National Ground Water Association’s (NGWA) top honor — the Ross L. Oliver Award. It recognizes outstanding contributions to the groundwater industry.

“Stewart has worn many hats in his tenure at Wyo-Ben, but one we are particularly proud of is his industry status as the ‘mud man’,” says nominator David Brown, president and CEO of the Wyo-Ben. “There are hundreds of examples of Stewart sharing his knowledge with distributors, contractors, engineers, and state and federal regulatory bodies. And Stewart never shies away from getting his hands, or shoes, dirty if it will provide a better outcome for a driller and contribute to the greater good of the industry.”

When asked about the one major groundwater-related accomplishment of which he is most proud, Krause said it was the opportunity to be a part of the Nebraska Grout Task Force, which he said was a “very enlightening 10 years” that resulted in setting new grouting standards in the industry.

Also among Krause’s many groundwater industry contributions are having served on numerous NGWA boards, committees and task forces, including the following:

• National Board of Directors (two terms)
• Manufacturers Board of Directors
• Executive Standing Committee
• Finance and Budget Standing Committee
• Professional Development Committee.

Krause will be presented with the Ross L. Oliver Award during NGWA’s 2016 Groundwater Week, Dec. 6 through 8 in Las Vegas.

NGWA is a nonprofit that supports responsible development, management and use of water resources. It’s comprised of groundwater professionals ranging from contractors to equipment manufacturers to scientists and engineers. For more information, visit www.ngwa.org.